ALLEN COUNTY AND THE CITY OF LIMA
County Services
419-228-3700
www.allencountyohio.com
Chamber of Commerce
419-222-6045
www.limachamber.com
Taking for its slogan, “A community of strength,” Allen County exemplifies the Midwestern work ethic and values, a proud heritage of steadfast, grounded people and a rich agricultural legacy. Nestled in the heart of Northwestern Ohio, the county is situated at the crossroads of the historic Lincoln Highway and north-south Interstate 75. Progressive development has created a rich quality of life that harmonizes first-rate amenities and attractions with picturesque farmland and the enduring charm of long-established cities, towns and villages.
Services
Newcomers to Allen County will discover a commitment to quality services that includes exceptional public school districts, options for a private education, and local opportunities for lifelong learning or advanced degrees at local colleges. The city of Lima serves as the educational center of the county, home to a campus for Ohio State University, a private university, the Apollo Career Center, and Rhodes State College. The University of Northwestern Ohio is a private institution founded in 1920 that encompasses five colleges including a College of Health Professionals and a Graduate College. UNOH provides more than 60 programs in such diverse areas as business, medical, legal, travel, information technology, marketing, high performance motorsports, agriculture, and alternate fuels. Located on a beautiful 200-acre campus, the university welcomes students from all 50 states and nearly 20 foreign countries. The Lima campus for Ohio State University provides regional access to bachelor degree programs in science and the liberal arts, while Rhodes State College focuses on career training and associate degree programs.
Healthcare services are equally well developed, with two regional medical centers in the city of Lima. Lima Memorial Health System strives to deliver quality care and bring its family-oriented culture to the bedside, so the hospital is justly proud of a number one ranking in recent surveys for Exceptional Care. Centers of Excellence include the Heart and Vascular Institute, the Family Birth Center, the Cancer Institute, the Women’s Health Center, and several other specialties. St. Rita’s Medical Center is the largest hospital within a 70-mile radius of Lima, complementing the main campus with additional facilities in Lima as well as in Glandorf, Delphos, and Wapakoneta. St. Rita’s has grown with the community, emphasizing state-of-the-art equipment and medical procedures. Another specialized hospital, the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery, is also located in Lima. The nearby Findlay-Hancock micropolitan area is another epicenter for advanced care, anchored by the Blanchard Valley Health System that serves an eight-county area. Bluffton Village, spanning both Allen and Hancock counties, is home to the award-winning BVHS Bluffton Hospital, recognized first in patient satisfaction among 164 Ohio hospitals and listed as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by Health Strong.
Lifestyle
Regardless of your interests or how you enjoy spending leisure time, an Allen County address ensures that sports facilities, lush parks, campgrounds, retail centers, and cultural attractions are all available close to home. Those who love stock, sprint and midget car races will want to visit Limaland Motorsport Park. Allen County Fairgrounds hosts regional and national events and championships as well as the annual county fair. Lima’s Town Square is a focal point for the festivals, events, and seasonal celebrations that bring family, friends and visitors together for fun, food and entertainment. Golfers can choose from a number of fine courses, while hikers and bicycling enthusiasts will find miles of scenic pathways and trails. Complementing acres of other developed parks and preserved land, the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District was established in 1972 to preserve natural resources and enhance recreational opportunities. The District dedicates more than 1,200 acres to activities like hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding, bicycling, and enjoying interpretive programs.
Those who appreciate culture can look forward to a full calendar of performances and exhibits, from Broadway shows, symphony and national talent at Lima’s Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center or crowd-pleasing productions at the community arts theatre. Artspace/Lima is the premier art gallery and visual arts educational center for west central Ohio. The nearby city of Van Wert is home to another spectacular regional venue, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. Historic sites include fine museums, Victorian mansion tours, train and railroad heritage exhibits, Miami-Erie Canal history, and the area’s only postal museum. Newcomers will find a wonderful array of home settings and lifestyle choices in the communities of Allen County, from bustling cities like Lima to smaller towns or quaint villages. Stately Tudors, traditional two-story family homes, sprawling ranches, cozy bungalows, and vibrant new construction on spacious lots are just a few of the options. Regardless of where you decide to settle, Interstate 75 and US Highway 30 provide quick and easy regional commutes as well as convenient connections to other highway systems.
Delphos
City Offices
419-695-4010
www.cityofdelphos.com
Chamber of Commerce
419-695-1771
www.delphoschamber.com
“America’s Friendliest City” actually stretches between Allen and Van Wert counties, dividing parts of Delphos into Lima and Van Wert metropolitan statistical areas. Residents of Delphos benefit from the highly developed cultural and historic attractions in Lima, including first-rate events and productions at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center. However, Delphos has a few calling cards of its own, including the preservation of a proud heritage that can still be seen in the historic charm of the downtown district and the city landmark of St. John’s Catholic Church. Complementing the Delphos Canal Museum, the city draws regional crowds to its colorful four-day Canal Days festival featuring food, games, music, and live entertainment. Delphos welcomes newcomers to a friendly, active, family-oriented community with award-winning schools, options for a private education, a full-service library, and abundant opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation.
Lima
City Offices
419-221-5218
www.cityhall.lima.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
419-222-6045
www.limachamber.com
The leading city of Lima stands in a class of its own for providing big-city attractions while preserving small-town charm and friendliness. The Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center is a focal point of activity, a stunning event venue that enables regional audiences to enjoy Broadway shows, national headliners, symphony and musical concerts, and a host of performing arts. Artspace/Lima is another cultural jewel with gallery exhibits and educational resources. The celebrated Allen County Museum features a delightful children’s garden in a complex that complements the park-like downtown district with its grand architecture and kaleidoscope of specialty shops and eateries. Other attractions include the Rotary Riverwalk, the Lima Family YMCA, the Limaland Motorsports Park, more than 400 acres of parkland, and supervised recreation programs for adults and youngsters. Beautiful homes in well-kept neighborhoods, two state-of-the-art hospitals, fine public schools with private school options, a private university, and a public college are all part of the exceptional quality of life that makes Lima such a desirable place to call home.
Allen County Townships
Twelve rural townships cover the expense of Allen County, providing expanded options for a rural lifestyle or spacious country living in close proximity to urban advantages that include a first-rate cultural center and institutions of higher education. Among the small communities and historic villages that dot the landscape, Bluffton Village is well known as the home of a premier hospital and the private Bluffton University. Regardless of where you choose to settle in this area, the presence of Interstate 75 and US Highway 30 ensure quick and easy commutes to shopping centers, attractions, amenities, and employment centers.
